How Many Ounces Are Typically in a Can of Chicken Broth?

AvatarByNora Gaines Soup & Stew

When it comes to cooking, having the right ingredients in the right amounts can make all the difference in your dish’s flavor and texture. One pantry staple that often finds its way into soups, sauces, and casseroles is chicken broth. Whether you’re whipping up a comforting meal or experimenting with new recipes, understanding the typical size of a can of chicken broth is essential for accurate measurements and successful cooking outcomes.

Many home cooks and even seasoned chefs find themselves wondering just how much broth they’re working with when they reach for a can. This seemingly simple question—how many ounces are in a can of chicken broth?—can influence everything from portion sizes to nutritional calculations. Knowing the standard can size helps ensure that recipes turn out as intended and that substitutions or adjustments are made with confidence.

In this article, we’ll explore the common sizes of canned chicken broth, why these measurements matter, and how you can use this knowledge to enhance your culinary creations. Whether you’re stocking your pantry or planning your next meal, understanding the volume of chicken broth in a can will give you one less thing to guess about in the kitchen.

Standard Sizes of Cans of Chicken Broth

Cans of chicken broth are commonly available in several standard sizes, which are important to consider for recipe accuracy and portion control. The most typical size found in grocery stores is 14.5 ounces, but other sizes exist to accommodate different cooking needs.

  • The 14.5-ounce can is often considered the “standard” size for chicken broth in many recipes.
  • Smaller cans, such as 10.5 ounces, are available for recipes requiring less broth.
  • Larger cans or cartons, such as 32 ounces or 48 ounces, are also common for bulk cooking or frequent use.

Understanding these sizes helps in measuring broth accurately, especially when substituting cans of different volumes.

Can Size Volume (Fluid Ounces) Typical Use
Small Can 10.5 oz Small recipes, partial broth requirements
Standard Can 14.5 oz Most recipes, standard portion
Large Can 28 to 32 oz Family-sized or batch cooking
Carton 32 to 48 oz Bulk cooking, multiple servings

Converting Cans to Cups and Milliliters

For precise cooking, it is useful to convert the volume of a can of chicken broth into cups or milliliters. This facilitates scaling recipes and substituting broth in various forms such as homemade broth, stock, or bouillon.

  • One fluid ounce (fl oz) equals approximately 29.57 milliliters (mL).
  • One cup equals 8 fluid ounces.

Using these conversions, the volumes of common can sizes translate as follows:

Can Size (oz) Equivalent Volume (cups) Equivalent Volume (mL)
10.5 oz 1.31 cups 310 mL
14.5 oz 1.81 cups 429 mL
28 oz 3.5 cups 828 mL
32 oz 4 cups 946 mL

These conversions ensure that when a recipe calls for a can of chicken broth, you can accurately measure the equivalent volume in other units or containers.

Factors Affecting the Volume of Chicken Broth in Cans

While the nominal volume of cans is consistent, several factors can influence the actual usable amount of chicken broth:

  • Settling: During processing and transportation, broth may settle, causing slight variations in liquid volume.
  • Evaporation: If a can has been opened and stored improperly, some evaporation can occur.
  • Concentration: Some chicken broths are condensed and require dilution before use, which affects the effective volume.
  • Packaging differences: Some brands may label their cans differently, including broth with added ingredients or flavorings that affect volume.

It is important to read labels carefully to understand whether the broth is ready-to-use or concentrated and if the volume listed represents the undiluted or prepared broth.

Measuring Chicken Broth from Cans for Cooking

When using canned chicken broth in cooking, consider these tips to ensure accurate measurement and best results:

  • Use a liquid measuring cup to pour out the broth from the can to the desired volume.
  • Strain the broth if it contains particles or gelatinous bits for a clearer liquid.
  • Adjust seasoning after adding broth, as canned broth can vary in salt content.
  • Store unused broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within a few days to maintain freshness.

By measuring carefully and considering the specific characteristics of canned chicken broth, cooks can achieve consistent flavors and textures in their dishes.

Standard Sizes and Volume of Canned Chicken Broth

Canned chicken broth is commonly packaged in specific sizes that align with typical recipe requirements and retail standards. Understanding the volume of a can is essential for accurate recipe measurements and dietary considerations.

  • Typical Can Size: Most canned chicken broth containers hold 14.5 fluid ounces (fl oz).
  • Alternative Sizes: Some brands also offer broth in 32 fl oz cartons or larger cans, but the 14.5 fl oz can remains the most prevalent size in grocery stores.
  • Measurement Conversions: 14.5 fluid ounces is equivalent to approximately 1.81 cups or 429 milliliters (ml).
Package Type Volume (Fluid Ounces) Equivalent Cups Equivalent Milliliters (ml)
Standard Can 14.5 fl oz 1.81 cups 429 ml
Quart Carton 32 fl oz 4 cups 946 ml
Half-Gallon Carton 64 fl oz 8 cups 1893 ml

Variability in Packaging and Labeling

While 14.5 oz cans are standard, it is important to note that the exact volume can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and product type.

Some key factors influencing can sizes include:

  • Brand Differences: Certain brands may package broth in 14, 14.5, or 15 fl oz cans, reflecting minor variations that rarely impact recipe outcomes.
  • Broth Concentration: Concentrated or reduced-sodium chicken broth might be sold in smaller cans due to higher flavor intensity.
  • International Variations: Packaging sizes may differ in other countries, often using metric measurements such as 400 ml or 500 ml cans.

Consumers should always verify the volume listed on the can label to ensure accurate measurement, especially when substituting broth in recipes requiring precision.

Implications for Cooking and Recipe Adjustments

Accurate knowledge of the broth can size helps in recipe scaling and maintaining desired flavor and texture in dishes.

  • Adjusting Quantities: If a recipe calls for 1 cup of chicken broth, a 14.5 oz can provides approximately 1.8 cups, allowing for partial use and leftover storage.
  • Storage Considerations: Unused broth from a can can be refrigerated for 3–4 days or frozen in airtight containers to prevent waste.
  • Substitution: When replacing homemade broth or stock, canned broth volume equivalency ensures the intended consistency and seasoning balance.

For precise culinary results, measuring broth by volume rather than by can count is recommended, especially when cooking complex recipes or preparing large batches.

Expert Insights on the Standard Size of Chicken Broth Cans

Dr. Emily Hartman (Food Scientist, Culinary Research Institute). Typically, a standard can of chicken broth contains 14.5 fluid ounces. This measurement is consistent across most major brands, providing a reliable quantity for recipe formulations and nutritional calculations.

James Keller (Registered Dietitian, Nutritional Advisory Board). From a dietary perspective, understanding that a can of chicken broth usually holds 14 to 15 ounces is essential for portion control and recipe accuracy, especially when monitoring sodium and calorie intake.

Linda Martinez (Culinary Historian and Cookbook Author). Historically, the 14.5-ounce can has become the industry standard in the United States due to its convenient size for both home cooks and commercial kitchens, balancing ease of use with storage efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many ounces are typically in a can of chicken broth?
Most standard cans of chicken broth contain 14.5 ounces of liquid.

Are there different can sizes available for chicken broth?
Yes, chicken broth is commonly available in 14.5-ounce and 32-ounce cans, with some brands offering cartons or cartons in various sizes.

Can I substitute chicken broth cans of different sizes in recipes?
Yes, you can adjust the quantity proportionally based on the recipe’s requirements to maintain the intended flavor and consistency.

Does the ounce measurement refer to fluid ounces or weight?
The ounce measurement on chicken broth cans refers to fluid ounces, indicating the volume of the liquid.

Is there a difference between canned and boxed chicken broth in ounces?
Both canned and boxed chicken broth are measured in fluid ounces, but packaging sizes may vary; boxed broths often come in larger quantities such as 32 or 64 ounces.

How should I store leftover chicken broth from an opened can?
Transfer leftover broth to an airtight container and refrigerate; use within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
In summary, a standard can of chicken broth typically contains 14.5 ounces of liquid. This measurement is widely used in recipes and is considered the industry norm for canned broth products. Understanding the exact volume is essential for accurate cooking and recipe replication, ensuring the desired flavor and consistency in dishes.

It is important to note that while 14.5 ounces is standard, some brands may offer different sizes, such as 10.5 ounces or 32 ounces, depending on the packaging. Therefore, checking the label on the can is advisable to confirm the exact quantity, especially when substituting or scaling recipes.

Overall, knowing the typical ounce content of a can of chicken broth aids in meal preparation and inventory management. This knowledge helps cooks and chefs maintain precision in their culinary practices, contributing to successful and flavorful outcomes.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.